Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Lagos on Thursday threatened to commit the former minister of state for defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro to prison if the medical report purporting his sickness and hospitalisation turns out to be fake.
The judge issued the threat on Thursday at the resumed trial of the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose in a N6.9 billion fraud preferred against him (Fayose) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
The trial was stalled due to the absence of Obanikoro who is the star prosecution witness.
At the resumed hearing today, the prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, informed the judge that Obanikoro, who testified against Fayose on Tuesday had been hospitalised.
Jacobs presented to the court a medical report from an Ikoyi hospital, stating that Obanikoro was unwell.
Receiving the report, Olatoregun who was nonplused said it had better been genuine or the hospital and the doctor that issued it risked the loss of their licences if the court verified the report and it was not genuine.
While adjourning the case till March 18, Justice Olatoregun said Obanikoro must unfailingly come to court, or risk being committed to prison for three months, “so that he can be coming to court in Black Maria.”
“He must present himself before the court on the next adjourned date or be compelled to do so,” said Olatoregun.
On Tuesday, February 5, Obanikoro had told the court that it was painful that he had to testify against the Fayose having enjoyed a good relationship while they were both members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Obanikoro, the fifth prosecution witness began evidence on January 21, saying that Fayose received $5 million and some amounts of naira from the impress account of a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, in June 2014.
“I am trying to restrain myself from saying things that will further damage our relationship.
“It’s painful for me to give evidence against him (Fayose); no doubt about it. It is indeed very painful,” he said.
Fayose was arraigned by the EFCC on October 22, 2018, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd., on an 11-count charge bordering on N6.9 billion fraud.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.
